September 22, 2023
2 mins read

US Backs S. Korean Chipmakers Amid China Curbs

US Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves was in South Korea for a two-day visit to discuss ways to boost bilateral cooperation on advanced industries and other pending issues of mutual concern….reports Asian Lite News

The US will “do everything” to make sure that South Korean chipmakers are able to continue their business in China or elsewhere, a senior US official said on Thursday, one month to go before the expiry of its one-year waiver from equipment export restrictions on China.

In October last year, the US announced a set of rules that restrict exports of certain advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment and items to companies in China in an apparent bid to slow Beijing’s technological advances.

But Samsung and SK hynix received a one-year waiver amid concerns that the move would disrupt their businesses in China as the South Korean chip giants rely on US equipment for part of their production there.

“We understand the concerns that companies have and we’ll do everything that we can to make sure that companies are able to continue to conduct their business,” US Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves told Yonhap News Agency in Seoul.

He was in South Korea for a two-day visit to discuss ways to boost bilateral cooperation on advanced industries and other pending issues of mutual concern.

Graves refused to comment on individual cases but stressed that Washington is giving them “the opportunity to explain to us why they should receive a waiver” as it wants “to make sure that what we’re doing is allowing legitimate business to go on” and does not want to “constrain” them “unnecessarily.”

“We want to have strong national security but also allow our businesses to be able to continue to do their work and to succeed, because … if they’re able to invest successfully, grow research and development, then they’ll be able to have long term success and we’ll be able to keep that technological advantage together as partners,” Graves said.

Earlier, South Korea’s industry ministry voiced expectations for the extension of the waiver as the two nations have been in talks regarding the issue.

Samsung runs a chip manufacturing plant in the Chinese city of Xian, which accounts for some 40 per cent of its global NAND flash production. In Suzhou, the chipmaker runs a semiconductor packaging factory.

SK hynix currently operates multiple plants in China, including one in the eastern city of Wuxi, where it manufactures about half of its global DRAM chips.

ALSO READ: Vivek Ramaswamy Eyes Stronger India Ties

Previous Story

Vivek Ramaswamy Eyes Stronger India Ties

Next Story

Murdoch Steps Down as Head of Fox News, News Corp.

Latest from -Top News

WAVES 2025: Jaishankar Advocates Cultural Pluralism

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a powerful address at the WAVES 2025 Global Media Dialogue, highlighting the significance of cultural pluralism in shaping global change. Speaking on the second day of

India Eyes Supply Chain Shift

India’s electronics manufacturing sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, positioning the country as a major global hub for production and supply chain diversification. Riding on favourable government policies, geopolitical tailwinds, and a

Carney Confirms May 6 White House Visit

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to Washington on May 6 for a high-stakes meeting with US President Donald Trump, just days after taking office following a contentious federal election. Speaking

Rubio Backs AfD, Slams Berlin

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has strongly criticised Germany for officially classifying the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as an extremist organisation, accusing the German government of undermining democracy under

India Bans All Pakistan Imports

In a sharp escalation of diplomatic hostilities, India has banned all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan with immediate effect, following the brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region that
Go toTop

Don't Miss

George Santos pleads not guilty to federal charges

Santos, the US representative for New York’s 3rd congressional district,

US blocks Pak nominee for envoy

Khan was to replace the outgoing Ambassador of Pakistan in